Cash Mobs Spread Across North London

A cash mob is a flashmob that does something practical with its people power - it spends money in community-minded independent businesses.

The idea emerged from New York last year and has been gathering momentum across north London. Members of a community turn up en masse at an agreed time with a tenner in their fist to spend in a selected shop. The cash mob provides a cash injection and also raises the profile of a local business that people really appreciate. We're sure the shopkeepers are left with a warm glow too.

Pages of Hackney bookshop was the first London venue to be cash mobbed, attracting coverage from the Financial Times and The Telegraph in August. Despite awful rain, a cheerful crowd turned out to support Harringay Market in September, and in Enfield, enthused cash mobbers completed a triple whammy in November, supporting three different shops in one day.

This much loved independent bookshop run by Simon and Tim is a centre for all sorts of local activity – from author talks, children’s events, comedy nights, board games, knitting and so much more.

Want to get involved? Just turn up at the Big Green Bookshop on Sunday 16 December between 2-2.30pm with a £10 note in your hand and be ready to spend it.

Please help spread the word using the Twitter hashtag #BGBcashmob. Hopefully the shop will be completely swamped with shoppers so some form of entertainment is being sought to keep the crowd amused while Simon and Tim get everyone served. Please email the organisers if you'd like to help.

Want to organise your own cash mob? Let us help you promote it. Get in touch tips@londonist.com.